Royal Hotel Sanremo

First Impressions

The moment you step into Royal Hotel Sanremo, you understand why this five-star property has been hosting guests along the Italian Riviera since 1872. There’s something about the grand marble lobby and those towering palm trees outside that immediately tells you this isn’t just another luxury hotel — it’s got genuine old-world character that you can’t fake.

Location & the Italian Riviera Magic

Honestly, the location on Corso Imperatrice is pretty much perfect if you want to experience Sanremo properly. You’re literally steps from the beach, and I mean the kind of pebbly Mediterranean coast that looks like a postcard. The famous Casino di Sanremo is just a five-minute walk away, and you can actually see the promenade stretching out in both directions from some of the hotel’s windows. What I really love is that you’re close enough to the old town’s winding streets but far enough from the cruise ship crowds that sometimes overwhelm the port area.

The Rooms

My room faced the sea — and wow, waking up to that view of the Ligurian coast never gets old. The interiors blend classic Italian elegance with modern comfort, though some of the furniture definitely has that luxurious, slightly formal feel that comes with historic properties. The marble bathrooms are genuinely impressive, with deep soaking tubs that are perfect after a day exploring the flower markets or hiking in the hills behind town. You know what’s nice? The soundproofing actually works, which isn’t always a given when you’re this close to a busy coastal road.

Dining & Hotel Amenities

The hotel’s main restaurant serves refined Ligurian cuisine — think fresh seafood with that distinctive pesto genovese and locally grown vegetables. I actually ended up eating there more than I planned because the terrace seating overlooks the water, and there’s something magical about dinner as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. The spa downstairs is smaller than what you might find at some modern resorts, but it’s beautifully designed with a pool that connects to an outdoor area. The service throughout feels genuinely attentive rather than stuffy, which can be hit-or-miss at properties with this much history.

Why Guests Love It

What sets Royal Hotel Sanremo apart is how it captures the essence of the Italian Riviera without feeling like a tourist trap. You’re staying in a place where you can walk to the Wednesday market for fresh focaccia, catch the train to Monaco (it’s only 45 minutes), or just spend hours people-watching from the hotel’s terrace. The staff seems to genuinely know the area — they’ll point you toward the best aperitivo spots or suggest hiking trails that most visitors never discover. It’s that combination of luxury and authenticity that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the real Sanremo, not just passing through it.